Can beginners keep corals?

Soft corals like zoanthids and star polyps are hardy and beginner-friendly. Start with resilient species and gradually work your way up to LPS and SPS corals.

How much do corals cost?

Zoanthid frags range from around 1,000-3,000 yen, LPS from 3,000-10,000 yen, and SPS Acropora species from 5,000-30,000+ yen depending on species and coloration.

What equipment is needed for coral keeping?

Basic equipment includes a tank, LED lighting, protein skimmer, circulation pump, heater, and refractometer. For SPS corals, you'll also need a calcium reactor and high-performance lighting.

What should I check when buying corals?

Ensure the coral has vivid coloration without bleaching, polyps are fully extended, and the base is firmly attached. Also watch for shipping damage.

How long do corals live?

With proper care, corals can live for decades. In the wild, some colonies survive for hundreds of years. Water quality management and proper lighting and flow are key to longevity.

Coral Encyclopedia — 74 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular coral species with care requirements, traits, and difficulty levels.

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

LPS Hardy SPS Soft coral Colorful Fluorescent LPS coral Sand bed Fast-growing Collector Fleshy Vivid Unique Clownfish host Montipora

Showing 13 of 74 species

Acropora

Acropora sp.

Advanced

The pinnacle of coral keeping. Requires intense lighting and pristine water quality, but rewards with stunning growth and coloration.

AdvancedSPSHigh light

Birdsnest Coral

Seriatopora sp.

Intermediate

SPS coral with thin branches intertwining like a birds nest. Hardier than Acropora, ideal SPS entry. Pink and purple popular.

SPSBird nest shapeSPS entry

Cyphastrea

Beginner

A hardy SPS coral with densely packed small polyps. Grows in low light, recommended for beginners.

CyphastreaSPSHardy

Leptoseris

Intermediate

A thin plate-shaped SPS coral from deep waters. Can be placed at tank bottom as it grows in low light.

LeptoserisSPSLow light

Merulina Coral

Merulina sp.

Intermediate

Unique SPS coral with thin plate-like blades rising vertically. Green and brown common. Adds depth and dimension to aquariums. For intermediate keepers.

SPSPlate-likeUnique

Montipora Cap

Montipora capricornis

Intermediate

An SPS coral growing in cap/umbrella shape. Hardier than Acropora, ideal for SPS beginners.

MontiporaSPSCap

Montipora Digitata

Montipora digitata

Intermediate

An SPS coral that branches in finger-like shapes. Hardier than Acropora, ideal for SPS beginners.

MontiporaSPSBranching

Montipora Setosa

Montipora setosa

Intermediate

Distinctive Montipora with dense hair-like polyps on surface. Green common, often called 'Fuzzy' for its texture. Popular SPS entry species.

SPSMontiporaFuzzy

Pavona

Intermediate

An SPS coral growing in thin plates. Hardy species growing in various forms: encrusting, plating.

PavonaPlateSPS

Pavona Coral

Pavona duerdeni

Intermediate

An SPS coral spreading in thin plate form. Unique spiral patterns and fast growth are attractive.

PavonaSPSPlate

Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral)

Pocillopora sp.

Intermediate

SPS coral branching in cauliflower shape. Pink and green are common. Hardier than Acropora — ideal SPS starter. Fast-growing and visually impressive.

SPSEntry-levelFast-growing

Seriatopora (Bird's Nest Coral)

Seriatopora hystrix

Intermediate

Delicate SPS coral with thin, densely branching structure. Rich color variety including pink, green, yellow. Easier to keep than Acropora — good SPS starter.

SPSDelicateColorful

Stylophora

Intermediate

A branching SPS coral. Hardier than Acropora with beautiful pink and purple coloration.

StylophoraSPSBranching

Browse Coral Listings

Coral FAQ

Can beginners keep corals?: Soft corals like zoanthids and star polyps are hardy and beginner-friendly. Start with resilient species and gradually work your way up to LPS and SPS corals.
How much do corals cost?: Zoanthid frags range from around 1,000-3,000 yen, LPS from 3,000-10,000 yen, and SPS Acropora species from 5,000-30,000+ yen depending on species and coloration.
What equipment is needed for coral keeping?: Basic equipment includes a tank, LED lighting, protein skimmer, circulation pump, heater, and refractometer. For SPS corals, you'll also need a calcium reactor and high-performance lighting.
What should I check when buying corals?: Ensure the coral has vivid coloration without bleaching, polyps are fully extended, and the base is firmly attached. Also watch for shipping damage.
How long do corals live?: With proper care, corals can live for decades. In the wild, some colonies survive for hundreds of years. Water quality management and proper lighting and flow are key to longevity.